At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform procurement processes to drive commercial value and mentor a junior specialist.
- Company: Dynamic company in Milton Keynes with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and high visibility with senior leadership.
- Why this job: Shape a strategic procurement function and make a real impact from day one.
- Qualifications: Experience in multi-site procurement and managing significant spend.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a procurement function at a pivotal stage of its evolution. You’ll step into a business with significant scale, complexity, and ambition - where procurement is ready to transition from reactive administration to a strategic, value-driving capability. With strong executive backing, you’ll have the platform to shape processes, influence stakeholders, and deliver measurable commercial impact from day one.
As Procurement Manager, you will lead the development of a lean but high-impact procurement function, managing multi-million-pound spend across a national, multi-site operation. You’ll inherit a junior Procurement Specialist and play a critical role in mentoring, structuring, and elevating the function - bringing clarity, control, and commercial rigour. This is not a “steady-state” role. It’s a build, shape, and lead opportunity.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Own supplier strategy end-to-end
- Lead supplier onboarding, tendering, benchmarking, and performance management across a diverse supply base
- Drive commercial value
- Analyse pricing, terms, and rebates; rationalise suppliers into a robust Preferred Supplier List (PSL); unlock tangible savings
- Lead and develop talent
- Manage and coach a Procurement Specialist, bringing structure, focus, and development to the role
- Influence across the business
- Partner with regional and central stakeholders to understand demand, anticipate needs, and strengthen supply chain resilience
- Embed process and governance
- Implement KPI frameworks, improve data utilisation (ERP-driven), and introduce best-practice procurement processes
- Oversee property & compliance procurement (FM-lite)
- Manage suppliers linked to property compliance (e.g. maintenance, statutory checks, depot transitions)
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in multi-site procurement environments (50+ stakeholders / national footprint)
- Track record of building or transforming procurement capability
- Strong experience managing mid-to-high value spend (ÂŁ100Ks to ÂŁmillions)
- Advanced ERP proficiency (e.g. NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, Dynamics), particularly around purchase orders and catalogues
- Background in sectors such as infrastructure services, utilities, or equipment hire (preferred for fresh perspective)
Your Style
- Resilient – comfortable navigating challenge, pushback, and complexity
- Commercially astute – able to identify and unlock value quickly
- Collaborative listener – engages stakeholders, understands real issues, and translates them into solutions
- Hands-on leader – equally comfortable in strategy and execution
The Package & Environment
- Salary: £55,000–£60,000
- Hybrid working: Typically 3–4 days in-office (Milton Keynes)
- National travel to depots and stakeholders as required
- High visibility role with direct exposure to senior leadership
Procurement Manager in Northampton employer: Practicus
Contact Detail:
Practicus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement processes. Be ready to discuss how you can transition their procurement function from reactive to strategic, showcasing your experience in managing multi-million-pound spend.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! When you get that interview, make sure you can clearly articulate your vision for building and leading a high-impact procurement function. Highlight your ability to influence stakeholders and drive commercial value.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Procurement Manager. Highlight your experience in multi-site procurement and any achievements that showcase your ability to drive commercial value. We want to see how you can shape processes and influence stakeholders!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've transformed procurement functions in the past and how you plan to bring that expertise to our team.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a hands-on leader, it's important to demonstrate your ability to manage and develop talent. Include examples of how you've mentored others and brought structure to teams. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and elevate those around them!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Practicus
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around supplier strategy and performance management. Be ready to discuss your experience with multi-site environments and how you've driven commercial value in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since you'll be mentoring a junior Procurement Specialist, highlight your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've developed talent and structured teams in the past, demonstrating your hands-on approach to both strategy and execution.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the company's operations and the sectors they operate in. Be prepared to discuss how you can influence stakeholders and strengthen supply chain resilience based on your understanding of their unique challenges.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in complex situations. Think of scenarios where you've had to navigate pushback or challenges in procurement, and be ready to explain how you turned those situations into opportunities for improvement.